Armpit Rash

Armpit rash is an itchy, painful, and burning sensation in the underarm area. It affects people of all ages, male, female, adult, and children. There is a significant change in the color and texture of the skin in the armpit.

There is a noticeable swelling and redness. Sometimes, a raised pimple-like bump appears. In severe condition, the skin in the armpit is scaly, blistered, flaky, and chapped. People who are active in sports and those who work in a humid environment are prone to armpit rash. The same thing goes for people with sensitive skin. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Photo 1 : An armpit rash characterized by severe redness and bump-like formation.
Picture Source : www.primehealthchannel.com

Image 1 : A rash in the armpit characterized by redness and pimple-like structure.
Photo Source : www.medthical.com

Cardinal signs and symptoms

• White to reddish rash
• Pimple-like appearance or bump
• Itching
• Swelling
• Burning sensation
• Pain in the armpit and its surrounding structure
• Noticeable odor ⁽¹⁾

What can cause a rash under the armpit ?

1. Shaving – A lot of women prefer to shave the hair on their armpit. However, shaving using old or dull razor might irritate the armpit. It could lead to razor burn, ingrown air, and infection, especially if you have sensitive skin.
2. Heat rash or rash secondary to sweat – Blocked sweat ducts can trap perspiration under the skin. It is common in babies, but adults can experience it too. Aside from blocked ducts, heat rash in the armpit is also a result of moisture and friction. A lot of people are experiencing this during summertime.
3. Rash caused by fungi and yeast infection – It affects not just the armpit but other parts of the body too such as the groin and skin folds. It also affects the areas in between the toes and fingers. It thrives in warm, sweaty, and moist area. The infection can also be multiplied if you have a poor hygiene and love wearing tight fitting clothes. Fungi and candida infection are prone to people whose immune system is compromised such as those with HIV and diabetes.
4. Hidradenitis suppurativa – it pertains to a painful skin disease that causes abscesses and scarring. It commonly affects the breast, armpit, groin, buttocks, and anus. It is associated with an inflamed hair follicles.
5. Armpit rash due to HIV – On the early stage of HIV infection, the patient will have HIV rash in various parts of the body particularly in the armpit, shoulders, and chest areas. The rashes are flat and barely raised and has reddish spots. The rash is not itchy and will disappear on its own within three weeks. If you still have the rashes, make sure you avoid hot showers and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
6. Rash caused by allergic reaction – Some brands of deodorants can cause rash, especially if you are allergic to the components of the deodorant. You will feel a burning and itching sensation after using the deodorant. There are many brands of deodorants out there and you have to find out which one is compatible with your skin. If you have hypersensitive skin, you might experience allergic reaction from lotions and creams.
7. Lymphoma cancer – Lymphoma can lead to itchy rash in various parts of the body including the armpit. You will also experience swelling of the lymph nodes. ^{(2, 3, 4)}

Treatment and management of armpit rash

Rashes in the armpit make you feel uncomfortable. It is unsightly and embarrassing too. If you have an armpit rash, make sure that you treat it right away. The treatment varies, but your treatment choice should be based on the factors that cause the rash. There are home/natural remedies for armpit rash, but if it does not improve, then you have to opt for conventional treatment methods.

Home remedies for armpit rash

• Applying cold compress – Get and ice and wrap in a clean cloth. It gives a cooling effect, alleviates pain, and reduces itching.
• Essential oil – Tea tree oil gives a soothing feeling. It also helps reduce inflammation. You can also apply aloe vera gel to alleviate inflammation. To reduce the skin infection, you should have vitamin C.
• Lemon extracts – Lemon has an antibacterial property and is a very good natural deodorant. Just swipe a slice of lemon under your underarm, but make sure you are not going to do it right after shaving or else you will have to endure a burning sensation.
• Baking soda – To avoid sweat on the armpit area, you have to dust half a teaspoon of baking soda. You might also want to dilute a teaspoon of baking water in your bathing water.
• Underarm rash cream – There are creams, ointments, lotions, and gels specially formulated to help get rid of armpit rash. In the case of armpit rash caused by fungi, an antifungal cream should be used. Hence, you have to consult your doctor to find out what is the root cause of your rash. The skin doctor will prescribe the best medicine for your rash. ^{(5, 6, 7)}

Simple remedies to get rid and prevent armpit rash

• Maintain a good personal hygiene. See to it that you keep the armpit area clean at all times. Prevent sweating of the armpit as it can further irritate the rash. When cleaning the armpit area, you have to use a mild soap and wash it at least two times a day.
• As much as possible, you have to avoid tight fitting clothes. Wear loose clothing made from natural fiber.
• Pat dry the armpit rash and apply a layer of corn starch for it to dry out easily.
• Do not rub the armpit area. Reduce friction in the armpit area by placing a soft piece of cloth.
• If you notice pain and rashes in your armpit, it is a signal that you have to stop using any cosmetic products you put in your underarm such as deodorant, cream, antiperspirant, and lotion. If you are prone to underarm rash, you have to ask your dermatologist for a safer alternative to deodorant. An anti-chafing powder might work for your armpit rash.
  During summer month, you have to keep your room well ventilated, especially if you are prone to rashes. ^{(8, 9)}

References:

1. healcure.org
2. www.healthline.com
3. www.livestrong.com
4. naturalremedyideas.com
5. health.knowfacts.org
6. www.belmarrahealth.com
7. www.healthgrades.com
8. www.healthyandnaturalworld.com
9. health.howstuffworks.com
10. www.medhealthdaily.com